Bhutan, a rampart stretch of the Himalayas that nestles between Tibet and India, is not only a land of great, jagged, snowy peaks, it also holds some of the most extensive remaining tracts of Himalayan forest, sadly severely depleted elsewhere in this range. While the mountainous terrain has enabled this land of breathtaking beauty and fascinating culture to remain isolated from the outside world for centuries (television was not introduced here until 1999), Bhutan has increasingly opened its doors to visitors, allowing us to explore this almost mystical wonderland of birds. Some 700 species have been recorded in a country barely half the size of Scotland -- and now it even has its own field guide! A surprisingly good and (mostly) lightly traveled network of roads now wends its way over passes and down into valleys, permitting us to encounter some of the world's most sought-after species, many of which have been reduced in numbers through habitat loss elsewhere.
"A stunning mosaic of unusually broad biodiversity and enlightened conservation practices, Bhutan is amongst the world's unique and most valuable intact ecosystems. Because of its location on the junction of two major biogeographical realms -- the temperate Palearctic and the tropical Indo-Malayan -- and extreme variations in climate and altitude, Bhutan possesses one of the world's most remarkable assemblages of charismatic vertebrates and more than 60% of the endemic species of the Eastern Himalayas." These words of Lyonpo Kinzang Dorji, Bhutan's Minister of Agriculture, are understandably self-serving; they are also accurate -- and how many ministers could make such claims with a straight face?! We suspect you have asked for this itinerary because, whether by word of mouth or from magazine articles, you have heard that Bhutan is a special place: more than 60% of its forests remain intact, the population density is less than 10% that of its neighbors (how many countries have a capital city of only 80,000 people?), the flora (more than 5,400 species) and fauna (e.g. 165 mammals and 700-plus birds, over 400 of them resident) are rich, and the local culture fascinating.
This is a birding tour to show you both the beauty of this mountain kingdom and the delights of its fascinating wildlife, yet without the difficulties of trekking. As there are so few hotels in Bhutan, however, our journey does necessitate at least two, and perhaps three, nights of camping, but our efficient ground crew will ensure that this outfitted camping experience will add to the ambiance of being in Bhutan. This will enable us to be on the spot at some truly superb birding locations where we will walk through oak and rhododendron forests, beneath trees festooned with lichens, mosses, ferns, and orchids in search of such tantalizing delights as Satyr Tragopan, Scarlet Finch, Fire-tailed Myzornis, and the enormous Rufous-necked Hornbill. We realize that the "c" word ("camping") is anathema to some, and it is a decision we do not make lightly, but the accommodations in certain areas simply do not exist or are not adequate, and the birding far too good to pass by. Our outfitter has large tents in which you can stand up fully; they can hold two single cots (with mattresses!) with room to spare for your luggage. Trust us that the professional camp staff is good: for decades in Bhutan, a significant number of ecotourist nights have been spent in outfitted camps or on treks. What we ask them to do is routine for them. In addition to setting up and striking our camps, the staff will prepare many good outdoor meals (nearly all of our breakfasts and lunches will be picnics), with mountain backdrops to forest foregrounds; bring your binoculars to breakfast and lunch! The staff has earned the affection and admiration of all on our previous tours. Note that away from our hotels, camps and meals, bathrooms will be bushes. Along the roads while we are birding, privacy is limited, and thicker bushes may require a little agility to get up or down a bank. In camp and at picnics, a couple of toilet tents, with a seat on a frame above a latrine hole, are employed.
Our visit has been timed to enjoy the greatest diversity of birdlife: spring remains part of the dry season before the summer monsoon breaks, Bhutan's resident birds will be in full song, and many migrants will be heading north to cross the mountains en route to Tibet and beyond. Many species of birds that move to higher altitudes to breed should still be present at the lower elevations where they have wintered, while others will be arriving from southern India to breed in the forests. As a bonus, some species of rhododendrons, magnolias, and orchids should already be in flower, too.
Even those who have visited India before will find that many of the birds will be new to them. Indeed, many species that are considered rare in Nepal or Thailand are more easily seen in Bhutan. Our experience is that most people simply love the country, including the birding. Join us for a great birding tour in pursuit of pheasants, Ibisbill, Ward's Trogon, Rufous-necked Hornbill, Beautiful Nuthatch, and such spectacles as sunbirds in the rhododendrons.
Select the KEY INFO tab or click here for our itinerary plus space requests, status, fees, limits, and guides for any departure.
Client comment
"This tour was absolutely fantastic. Another 'trip of a lifetime'! It felt like more than just a birding trip. The combination of Himalayan scenery, Buddhist/Bhutanese culture, amazing architecture, fantastic service by the local staff, vast stretches of forest and plenty of great birds made this a truly special tour!" D.F., BHUTAN tour participant
"A great tour, one of the best ever. Great birds, excellent guide, really great tour group. Plus beautiful, clean country, good food, fun cultural visits, happy people. Especially noteworthy was the ground crew providing in-the-field hot meals for every breakfast and lunch, a superb effort. Your office service was very good, no problems for me, and they were very helpful to other tour members who had major flight disruptions by the airlines." D.M, BHUTAN tour participant